The University announced Oct. 11 that, in lieu of Jerry Rushford stepping down from the post, Mike Cope will direct the annual Bible Lectures held by the University every spring.
On May 4, 2012, Rushford’s 30 years as director of Church Relations and director of Pepperdine’s Bible Lectures will draw to a close. He intends to spend the following school year teaching at Pepperdine’s London program. Upon his return, Rushford is set to come back to Pepperdine as director of the Churches of Christ Heritage Center.
“With Mike’s years of ministry leadership, national acclaim as a creator of group worship experiences, and his love for the historical Churches of Christ, he will ensure that Pepperdine’s Bible Lectures will continue to be successful and of significant value to members of the Churches of Christ both here and abroad,” University President Andrew K. Benton said in an Oct. 11 press release.
Pepperdine’s 69th, and Rushford’s final, Bible Lectures will take place May 1-4, 2012. Cope will begin his new role on May 5.
Benton’s announcement included the news that Rick Gibson, current associate vice president for Public Affairs and chief marketing officer, would step into the role of vice president for Public Affairs and Church Relations starting Nov. 1, 2011.
“In naming Rick Gibson vice president for Public Affairs and Church Relations, we are placing a strategic initiative at Pepperdine in very capable hands,” Benton said.
